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Schengen Tourist Visa

Last verified: 3 min read

The most common visa type for leisure travel

About the Tourist Visa

The Schengen tourist visa is the most common type of Schengen visa, issued for leisure travel including holidays, sightseeing, visiting attractions, and general tourism. It is technically a Type C short-stay visa with tourism as the stated purpose.

Like all Schengen visas, it allows you to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period and travel freely between all 30 Schengen countries.

Tourist Visa Quick Facts

Purpose Tourism Holidays, sightseeing
Cost €80 Standard visa fee
Max stay 90 days Per 180-day period
Work allowed No Tourism only

What You Can Do with a Tourist Visa

  • Sightseeing: Visit landmarks, museums, historical sites
  • Holiday travel: Beach vacations, ski trips, city breaks
  • Cultural experiences: Attend festivals, concerts, cultural events
  • Visiting friends/family: If not staying with them (otherwise need invitation letter)
  • Transit: Passing through Schengen to another destination

What You Cannot Do

  • Work: Any paid or unpaid employment is prohibited
  • Study: Long-term courses require a different visa
  • Business activities: Need a business visa for meetings/negotiations
  • Stay over 90 days: Even with multiple entries

Documents Specific to Tourist Visa

In addition to the standard documents, tourist visa applicants typically need:

  • Travel itinerary: Day-by-day plan of your trip activities
  • Hotel bookings: Confirmed reservations for entire stay
  • Flight reservations: Round-trip booking showing entry and exit
  • Proof of tourist interest: Museum tickets, tour bookings, event tickets (optional but helpful)

Staying with Friends or Family?

If you are staying with someone instead of a hotel, you will need an invitation letter from your host. The application is still processed as a tourist visa, but with different accommodation documents.

Single vs Multiple Entry

Tourist visas can be issued as:

  • Single entry: One entry, one stay. Once you leave Schengen, you cannot re-enter.
  • Double entry: Two entries allowed. You can leave and return once.
  • Multiple entry: Unlimited entries during validity. Best for frequent travelers.

First-time applicants usually receive single or double entry visas. Multiple entry visas are more common for those with good travel history or frequent travel needs.

Related Guides

How to Apply

Step-by-step process

Documents Checklist

Complete requirements

90/180 Day Rule

Understand stay limits

Tourist Visa FAQs

Can I visit multiple countries with a tourist visa?
Yes. Once you enter the Schengen Area, you can travel freely between all 30 member countries. You do not need separate visas for each country.
Which embassy should I apply to?
Apply to the embassy of your main destination — the country where you will spend the most time. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply to the country of first entry.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in Europe?
Authorities only grant extensions in special situations (medical emergency, force majeure). You cannot extend simply because you want to stay longer. See our extension guide.
Do I need to book non-refundable flights before applying?
Most embassies accept reservations (not fully paid tickets). This protects you from losing money if your visa is denied. Check your specific embassy's requirements.
How long is a tourist visa valid?
Validity varies. First-time applicants often get visas valid only for their trip dates. Experienced travelers may receive longer validity (1-5 years). The visa validity is different from your allowed stay — you can still only stay 90 days in 180.

Related Information

ETIAS Guide Schengen Area Guide Schengen Calculator UK Travel Requirements

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